The Complete Guide to Window Coverings

Window coverings are more than just a way to ensure privacy in your living space. They should be a key consideration in your home's overall design scheme from the start, with factors such as colour, practicality and aesthetics all playing a significant role. Curtains and blinds can make a bold statement in a room or add a subtle softness to balance out hard edges. Window coverings are the perfect accessory to complete any room, whether for a warm and cosy feel or a tailored and practical look.

With so many options available, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. But no worries! We're here to guide you through the process. This comprehensive guide will help you select the perfect window coverings to transform your home's aesthetic. Given the significant investment in curtains and blinds, our guide will ensure you make an informed decision. After all, window coverings are crucial in making your house feel like a home, and it's worth choosing the right ones for your space.

Creative Curtains and Heading Design

Curtains are an excellent choice for a timeless window-covering solution. They can add depth and a touch of luxury to any room, transforming the space and creating an elegant atmosphere. Consider using fully lined curtains that extend to the floor for a stunning effect. Choosing the Right-Heading Design plays a crucial role in achieving your desired look. Whether your style is traditional or contemporary, selecting a heading that complements the space is essential. A classic pinch pleat heading is an excellent choice for formal settings to a simple eyelet curtain, while a sleek and contemporary wave heading with gentle folds that stack back when open and retain their shape when closed is perfect for a modern look.

Idea Linings for Curtains

Selecting the perfect lining for your curtains can be challenging, with options that include Standard, Blackout, Thermal, and Bump Interlinings. Your curtain maker can advise on the best lining to suit your fabric and room type based on your aesthetic and practical requirements. Blackout is the go-to choice for bedrooms, as it prevents early morning light from creeping in and protects your furnishings from sunlight. For a more luxurious look, opt for Bump interlining, which provides a fuller, deeper finish and is ideal for traditional designs.

Exploring Roman Blinds

Roman Blinds are considered a popular choice for many with a Timeless and Chic Window Covering Option They're practical and versatile and work seamlessly in any space or with curtains. They work best in symmetrical windows, either hanging outside the window aperture to add a feature or in the window recess for a clean and uncluttered finish. If the room has plain walls, a patterned Roman Blind with colour can create an eye-catching focal point. Similarly, a simple fabric Roman Blind will complement a busier area.

Ideal Lining for Roman Blinds

The blind linings are a little simpler; Blackout is the most popular not only for keeping the sun out but also for retaining its fold much better than a standard lining, so the folds maintain a good positioning when up. Bump interlining has been popular, but this is with caution. In my experience, it looks excellent with fine silk, but standard cotton or linens can be very bulky, and fabric can drop away from this. For optimal results and longevity, my top choice of lining is the bonded blackout lining. Crafted explicitly for Roman blinds, this lining provides the perfect body and blackout effect, fulfilling all your requirements.

All the Trimmings

Adding a touch of embellishment like tassels, fringes, or pom-poms to your curtains and blinds creates a unique and stylish look. Choosing a trim that complements the overall style and durability of the window covering is essential. Proper selection lets your curtains and blinds quickly become a beautiful and functional focal point in any room. Whether working with plain curtains or a Roman blind, adding a trim can completely transform a dull window covering and add a touch of interest.

Day and Night Blinds

Otherwise known as Vision or Allusion Blinds, they are my favourite as they are a contemporary and functional alternative to traditional roller and Venetian blinds. Combining the best aspects, these blinds are practical and add an aesthetically pleasing touch to any space. The blind is made from panels of opaque and translucent fabric. The single piece of fabric folds back on itself to create a unique operation. The blind comes with the operational simplicity of a roller blind whilst giving you light filtering, similar to a Venetian blind. The innovative blind type is a popular choice for modern interiors.

Perfect Fit Blinds
If you're looking for window coverings that fit snugly into your windows or doors, then Perfect Fit blinds are the perfect solution. These blinds are perfect for tilt-and-turn windows, skylights, and bi-fold doors. They are incredibly popular for new-build properties due to their ability to fit a wide range of window shapes and sizes that cannot be achieved with any other blind option. With a sleek design that seamlessly integrates into your window or door, Perfect Fit blinds come in various styles, colours, and patterns to match any decor. Moreover, they are very safe and have no loose cords, making them an excellent option for households with kids or pets.

Roller blinds

Roller blinds are popular window coverings that can easily roll up or down. They are ideal for controlling light and providing privacy, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where hygiene is essential. Various styles of roller blinds are available, including sheer, blackout, hypoallergenic, and those suitable for humid or bacterial areas. Roller blinds are used in both residential and commercial settings.

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are a type of window covering made up of horizontal slats that can be adjusted to control the amount of light entering a room. These slats are typically made of wood, metal or plastic and are suspended from a string or cord, allowing them to be raised or lowered as needed.

Shutters

Shutters are a beautiful and timeless window covering Option. They come in different materials, such as wood, vinyl, and composite. Shutters are great for controlling light and providing privacy. They add value to your home, are highly durable, and look fabulous in classic and contemporary settings.